The river below the apartment is perfect for all types of enjoyment. Ideal for kayaking, fshing and swimming in certain areas. The sea grass underneath the board walk attracts colourful sub-tropical fish which entertain as you snorkle above them. The V Wall almost always has a fisherman or two leaning over the rail waiting for a jerk on his line. A water speed limit limits the actvities of jet skis and boats in the water close to Wellington Drive making it safer to swim. Wellington Rock at the end of the V Wall is popular with surf casters but keep an eye out for a rogue wave.
My Favourite Walk
Approx 3 kms. Not suitable for push chairs
Turn left outside the apartment & walk along about 100 metres until you come to the steps leading up through the bush (best to get the hard part over first)
Continue up the steps, when you get to the top turn right and walk up to the Rotary lookout. There are a couple of graves opposite the lookout, one of a young Scotsman drowned in the Nambucca River early last century.
Keep heading east until you see the sign “Pathway to Beilbys Beach” at the bottom of the hill. Take the path and bear right at the 2 “Y” intersections you will come to. This may be a little muddy after rain but is generally no problem. This will bring you on to Beilbys Beach.
If you prefer a slightly longer walk take the left fork at the 2nd intersection, this will bring you on to the beach but further to the north.
Turn right at the beach and walk to the boat ramp and fish cleaning tables.
Unless there is a king tide it is safe to continue around the cliff on to the rocks. This is the only point you may get wet feet but it is usually simple to rock hop.
Once you get around the corner walk along the rocks until you get to the V Wall via Wellington Beach. If the seas are rough keep close to the bottom of the cliff. If the tide is too high at the beginning of the rocks there is a path over to the V Wall at the back of the toilet block near the boat ramp.
Once you get to the V Wall make your way back to 26 Wellington Drive.
It is a beautiful walk with many birds to keep you company and if you happen to come on to the beach as the sun is coming over the horizon, pause a moment to take in the beauty of it all.
Bellingen
Thirty minutes north west of Nambucca Heads lies Bellingen. A must see. A town that has retained its colonial heritage and the perfect place to spend a day visiting the shops and cafes. It is now renowned for its Jazz Festival in August, Global Carnival late October and Camp Creative that runs for a week during January attracting over a thousand enthusiastic scholars. Bellingen has an atmosphere now lacking in so many small Australian towns. It has bucked the trend of so many places that are depopulating and is a thriving hub for the area. The markets held the 3rd Saturday of the month attracts large crowds.
The Promised Land to the north of the town is an essential drive. The loop road takes you over the prisitne Never Never Creek in many places and the Great Dividing Range is a perfect back drop. The creek has many perfect swimming holes to cool off in as well as adjacent picnic spots.
Bat Island lies a couple of hundred metres up stream from the ridge that joins the town. This three-hectare 'island' is home for a large flying fox colony from September to March each year. Walking tracks are maintained by volunteers. Visitors are asked not to disturb the animals (eg. by clapping or shouting), particularly between September and November when babies are being born. The river has changed course over the years and the island is now joined to the riverbank, so foot access can be gained from Dowle Street, first street on the left over the bridge.
Dorrigo National Park and other National Parks to the West
This is perhaps the most popular feature of the Bellingen Shire. It is one of the most sympathetically-developed of all National parks in NSW, and is a superb introduction to Australia's rainforest ecology. Venture on the the "Skywalk" which has excellent views up the Bellinger Valley, or the boardwalk which meanders for about half a kilometre through the treetop canopy (both of these are suitable for wheelchairs). The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre has educational displays, and a cafe is open every day. Short or long bushwalks can be undertaken to visit many of the waterfalls in the park. Dorrigo.com has more information.
Past Dorrigo there are a further 4 National Parks than can be visited in a day from Bellingen. it would mean an early start but are well worth the effort. Most are only a short distance off the highway to Armidale. The Guy Fawkes National Park which encompasses the Ebor Falls is the first. The falls are only 500 metres off the highway. The Cathedral Rock National Park is the fartherest from the road and entails an hour or so trek to the actual rocks. The New England National Park situated overlooking the escarpment is also a must see. Spectacular views with many bush walks. For Tolkein fans a walk to the weeping cliff is like entering his realm of mists, hanging moss off silent trees and lichen covered rocks. The Wollomombi Falls are another amazing site where two waterfalls cascade into the same valley. They are the 2nd highest in Australia. These are also less then 2 kms off Highway 76.
The Pub With No Beer
West of Macksville and an enjoyable day's drive lies Taylors Arm and The Pub With No Beer made famous by Slim Dusty's song. They'll never run out of beer these days as there is a boutique brewery there now making a very nice drop. Enjoyable meals are served there in pleasant surroundings. Coming back make the detour to Bowraville with its historical mseum. A great place to meander through reminiscing.
White Water Rafting
The Nymboida River has stretches of wild water fit to stir the adrenalin of any thrill seeker. At least 4 companies run trips ranging from one to four day ventures, one maybe contacted at www.adrenalin.com.au. Most will pick up customers from the door. For a more peaceful activity try canoeing the Bellinger as it meanders through stretches of rain forest and green pastures. The river alternates between stretches of quieter water and rapids to add a little interest. Bellingen Canoe Hire rents out canoes.
